Violence never ok, but hurtful speech should be free

ADEM ALTAN/AFP/GettyImagesDemonstrators hold placards and banners during a protest against a U.S.-produced film mocking Islam in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on Sept. 16.

I have noticed a disturbing trend among certain commentators in regard to the recent rioting in Muslim-majority nations.

Along with a boilerplate condemnation of the violence, some said we need to balance free speech with respect for religious sensibilities, or that the amateur filmmaker behind the video in question shares some responsibility for the violence.

This idea is contrary to the concept of free speech, indicating that our ability to express ourselves should be limited by the possibility that someone else might commit crimes. Thus, writing a book, drawing a picture or making a movie makes you responsible for someone else’s violent reaction, and that on some level, violence and murder can somehow be justified by pointing at a cartoon or online video and saying, “That is offensive to my religion!”

Violence in response to speech can never be justified. Freedom of speech limited by what someone might find offensive is not free. The freedoms of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution are meaningless if they do not protect what some might find offensive. This is an ideal that must be upheld, in this country and around the world.